Tension Load Tow Rope Booster Device for Water Sports

ABSTRACT

A device for attachment of a tow rope to a boat for enhancing the performance of a user engaged in a water sport activity. The device comprises a booster assembly, a housing, a pivot joint assembly for rotatably connecting the device to the boat, a tow knob for attaching the tow rope to the device, and a handle component. A method of using the device includes applying a load to the device to generate a resistance, displacing the bias element, and releasing the resistance from the device. The force generated, when the load applied to displace the bias element is released, provides the user with a boost sling-shot effect. The resulting boost may provide the user with longer airtime thus enabling one to perform better acrobatic maneuvers in the air inside or outside the wake. The recoil properties of the apparatus provide the user with softer landing capabilities. The apparatus further provides no stretch or pull while turning into the wake or when landing a jump.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of pending U.S. application Ser. No. 10/906,576, filed Feb. 24, 2005, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for towing a person engaged in water sports such as wakeboarding or water skiing.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Many modern day water sports necessitate the use of a tow rope or ropes and tow rope accessories for participating in such sports as wakeboarding, water skiing, and foilboarding. Persons participating in water sports where they are being towed by a boat typically use a tow rope or tow line attached to a motor boat.

The problem with using conventional tow ropes is that the tow rope often goes slack and then tightens abruptly when the boat changes direction or speed. This causes a jerking force to be applied to the rider. Particularly in wake boarding where the rider is committing aerial jumps and tricks, the tow rope becomes fairly slack resulting in tightening of the rope and jerking when the rider lands. The jerks or shocks experienced by water sports riders can lead to loss of control or injury.

Many techniques for absorbing shock while engaging in water sports have been used in the past. One tow rope shock absorbing device includes a vertical pylon anchored in a boat for attaching the tow rope. The vertical pylon includes a bias element secured in the hollow interior of the pylon. The bias element located in the pylon provides shock absorbing benefits as well as a sling-shot effect to help athletes jump higher than is possible without it. The problem with this device is that it must be used with a boat equipped with an extended pylon. Extended pylons are used less and less frequently these days.

Others describe a water ski handle system to partially absorb forces generated on the handle and tow line while in use. The ski handle system includes structural elements designed to withstand and partially absorb the tension forces to improve the skier's control. The ski handle system does not provide a means to improve vertical leaping capabilities of the skier.

Still others describe an aquatic tow rope having shock absorbers designed to reduce the initial strain on the arms of a water skier. The aquatic tow rope is comprised of a flexible filament having shock absorbers. The shock absorbers further comprise a cylinder having coil compression spring means that attach to a piston. The problem with the aquatic tow rope is that it has a number of removeable metallic parts. Such parts are prone to rusting.

While some of the prior art provide a means to allow for higher jumps than would normally be possible, they cannot provide maneuverability outside the wake and not much stretching in the actual towrope. Alternatively, many shock absorbing devices in the past have opted to implement compression springs rather than other types of recoil devices.

There is a need in the art, therefore, for a towrope apparatus that does not require a pylon, maximizes a user's jumping ability and provides extra lifting and boosting power while engaged in a water sport. The prior art disclose other shock absorbing devices that do have a spring or pulley action for wake board towers but no stretching in the actual tow rope. The prior approaches are primarily focused on providing the user with an attachment for a tow rope that has shock absorbing capabilities to reduce the initial strain on the arms of the water skier.

Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a user with more technical free style capabilities including better performance outside or at the wake, maximizing jumping and boosting ability while engaged in water sports such as wakeboarding and water skiing.

It is a further object to enable a user to improve landing capability.

It is a further object to provide the user more air time so as to provide the user with transitional performance enhancement.

It is a further object to provide a connection between the boat and the rider that provides the rider with a sling-shot spring action allowing for better aerial maneuverability such as inverted spins or twists.

It is a further object to provide a tension load booster attachment for a tow rope having various sizes and tensile strength to accommodate various sizes and weights of the users.

Further objects of the invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The embodiments of the present invention solve the problems and address the drawbacks of the approaches in the above description. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a tension load tow rope booster device for attachment between a boat and a water sport rider which enhances the performance of the rider by providing the rider with a boost thus enabling the rider to have more aerial, technical, free-style capabilities. The device is comprised of a booster assembly, a housing for enclosing the booster assembly, a pivot joint assembly for rotatably connecting the device to a boat, a tow knob for attaching a tow rope, and a handle component. The booster assembly comprises sliding members and guide rods inserted into openings of a stabilizing member. The sliding members and guide rods are securely fastened into the housing. Bias elements are fixed along the sliding members. The tow knob is secured to the stabilizing member by a tow knob mount. One end of a tow rope is secured to the tow knob and the opposite end of the tow rope is secured to a handle component. The pivot joint assembly is adapted to allow the booster device to follow the water sport rider in any direction, thus providing the rider with a wider range of motion.

Another embodiment of the present invention is a method for using a tension load tow rope booster device. The method includes applying a load to the device to generate a resistance, displacing the bias element, and releasing the resistance from the device. A boost sling-shot effect is provided to a rider when a load or resistance of sufficient force is applied to the device and then released. The force generated from the displacement of the bias element provides the rider with greater and higher maneuverability. The rider is provided a boost, only when the rider wants it, by applying a load to the device.

These and other embodiments of the present invention are further made apparent, in the remainder of the present document, to those of ordinary skill in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order to more fully describe embodiments of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. These drawings are not to be considered limitations in the scope of the invention, but are merely illustrative.

FIG. 1 shows a side view of a tension load tow rope booster device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2A shows a front view of a tension load tow rope booster device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2B shows a cross section of a pivot joint assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows a booster assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4A shows a booster device when no load is applied.

FIG. 4B shows a booster device when a load is applied.

FIG. 4C shows a booster device after the load is released.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS

The description above and below and the drawings of the present document focus on one or more preferred embodiments of the present invention and also describe some exemplary optional features and/or alternative embodiments. The description and drawings are for the purpose of illustration and not limitation. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize variations, modifications, and alternatives. Such variations, modifications, and alternatives are also within the scope of the present invention. Section titles are terse and are for convenience only.

An embodiment of the present invention includes a tension load tow rope booster device 10 as shown in FIG. 1. Device 10 as shown in FIG. 2A, comprises a booster assembly 30, a housing 12 for enclosing the booster assembly 30, a pivot joint assembly 20, a tow knob 11 having a tow knob mount 34, and a handle component 17 where a rider may hold onto while engaged in a water sport such as water skiing or wakeboarding. Tow knob 11 is secured to a first end of a tow rope 16 and handle component 17 is attached to a second end of tow rope 16. Joint assembly 20 rotatably connects booster device 10 to the boat. Housing 12 may be made out of metal, plastic or any other rigid material.

Joint assembly 20 provides a rotatable mechanical connection between booster device 10 and a boat tower or pylon 15, as shown in FIG. 2A. Joint assembly 20 is located at a bottom of housing 12, and is formed by connecting a turret 13 to a pivot member 14. Joint assembly 20 is adapted for enabling angular motion of housing 12 in all directions relative to joint assembly 20. Joint assembly 20 is designed to allow booster device 10 to follow the water sport rider in any direction, thus providing the rider with a wider range of motion.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is a joint assembly 20 comprising a ball-and-socket joint 20, as shown in FIG. 2B. Joint 20 comprises a pivot member 14, a spherical knob 22, a mating socket 23, one or more brackets 24, and a bolt 25. Knob 22 fits securely into mating socket 23. Brackets 24 hold turret 24 in place on top of pivot member 14. Bolt 25 secures turret 24 to pivot member 14. Like other mechanical or ball bearing joints, joint 20 may require some lubrication to keep the parts operating smoothly. A seal may be used to prevent the lubricant from leaking from joint 20.

Referring now to FIG. 3 is a booster assembly 30 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Booster assembly 30 is enclosed within housing 12 and comprises one or more bias elements 33, a plurality of guide rods 31, one or more sliding members 35, and a stabilizing member 32 having a front side and a back side. The front side is the side facing the front of the boat and the back side is the side facing the back of the boat. Stabilizing member 32 has a plurality of openings for inserting guide rods 31 and one or more sliding members 35. Guide rod 31 is inserted into an opening closer to an outer edge of stabilizing member 32. Guide rod 31 is securely fastened on each end to housing 12. Sliding member 35 is inserted into an opening located between openings used for guide rod 31. Sliding member 35 is securely attached on each end to housing 12. Bias element 33 is coiled or wrapped around a portion of sliding member 35 protruding from the front and back sides of stabilizing member 32. Bias element 33 may be made out of all types of rubber, silicone, bungee material, braided rope, elastic material, rubber nylon, metal spring or any other material having recoiling or compression properties.

In other alternative embodiments, booster assembly 30 may be selected from a group consisting of a gas cylinder, a shock absorber, a piston assembly and any other apparatus possessing compression or recoiling properties. For instance, in an alternative embodiment, booster assembly 30 may comprise of one or more recoil elements having a load end and a boat end. The recoil element may be made out of all types of rubber, silicone, bungee material, braided rope, elastic material, rubber nylon, metal spring or any other material having recoiling properties. The recoil element is fixed within a housing. The housing may be rotatably mounted onto a boat or boat tower by a pivot joint assembly. A tow rope may attach to the load end of the recoil element.

Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method for using booster device 10, as shown in FIGS. 4A-C. FIG. 4A shows booster device 10 in a resting or uncharged position and when no load is applied. At the resting or uncharged position tow knob 11 sits at a position closer to the front side of the boat. To charge booster device 10, a load or resistance of sufficient strength is applied to displace bias element 33, FIG. 4B. For instance, when the rider is engaged in a water sport, the rider may apply a force to handle 17 which in turn pulls on tow rope 16. The force applied to tow rope is also applied to tow knob 11. Tow knob mount 34 is circumferentially attached to stabilizing member 32. When tow knob 11 is pulled, stabilizing member 32 is pulled against bias elements 33 thus displacing bias elements 33, effectively compressing or recoiling bias elements 33. When the load or resistance is released a force is generated. This force generated is sufficient to propel the rider in a generally vertical direction, FIG. 4C. The girth and length of bias element 33 may be adjusted to accommodate for riders of various weights. Varying the length, girth, and number of bias elements 33 may vary the load or resistance needed to displace bias element 33.

Throughout the description and drawings, example embodiments are given with reference to specific configurations. It will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention can be embodied in other specific forms. Those of ordinary skill in the art would be able to practice such other embodiments without undue experimentation. The scope of the present invention, for the purpose of the present patent document, is not limited merely to the specific example embodiments of the foregoing description, but rather is indicated by the appended claims. All changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalents within the claims are intended to be considered as being embraced within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

1. A tension load tow rope booster device for attaching to a tow rope for a boat comprising: a booster assembly having in parallel one or more bias elements, a plurality of guide rods, one or more sliding members, and a perpendicularly configured stabilizing member having a front side and a back side, the stabilizing member having a plurality of openings for inserting the guide rods and one or more sliding members, wherein the front side is a side facing a front of the boat and the back side is a side facing a back of the boat; a housing for substantially enclosing the booster assembly, wherein a first and second end of the guide rods are securely fastened to the housing, and a first and second end of the one or more sliding members is securely fastened to the housing; a pivot joint assembly comprising a turret attached to an underside of the housing and a pivot member attached to the turret, the joint assembly being adapted for enabling angular motion of the device relative to the joint assembly in all directions; and a tow knob having a tow knob mount circumferentially attached to the stabilizing member; wherein the guide rods are inserted into the openings closer to each outer edge of the stabilizing member, the one or more sliding members are inserted into the openings between the guide rods of the stabilizing member, the one or more bias elements are positioned around a portion of the sliding member protruding from the front side and back side of the stabilizing member.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the tow knob is secured to a first end of the tow rope and a handle component is attached to a second end of the tow rope.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the bias element is selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, bungee material, braided rope, elastic, nylon, and spring coils.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the bias element is a recoil spring.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the bias element is a compression spring.
 6. The device of claim 1 wherein a length and a thickness of the bias element are adjustable.
 7. The device of claim 1 wherein the pivot member is attached to a boat tower or pylon.
 8. The device of claim 1 wherein the pivot joint assembly is a ball and socket joint, the joint comprising a spherical knob, a mating socket, one or more bearings, and a bolt, wherein the knob fits securely into the mating socket by attachment of the bearings with the bolt.
 9. A method for using a tension load tow rope booster device of claim 2 attached to a tow rope for a boat comprising: applying a load to the handle component to generate a resistance; displacing the one or more bias elements; releasing the resistance; and generating a force sufficient to propel a user holding the handle component into a generally vertical direction.
 10. A tension load tow rope booster device attached to a tow rope for a boat comprising: a booster assembly; a housing for substantially enclosing the booster assembly; a pivot joint assembly comprising a turret attached to an underside of the housing and a pivot member attached to the turret, the joint assembly being adapted for enabling angular motion of the device relative to the joint assembly in all directions; and a tow knob.
 11. The device of claim 10 wherein the tow knob is secured to a first end of the tow rope and a handle component is attached to a second end of the tow rope.
 12. The device of claim 10 wherein the booster assembly is an apparatus having recoiling properties.
 13. The device of claim 10 wherein the booster assembly is an apparatus having compression properties.
 14. The device of claim 10 wherein the booster assembly is selected from the group consisting of gas cylinder, shock absorber, and piston.
 15. The device of claim 10 wherein the pivot member is attached to a boat tower or pylon.
 16. The device of claim 10 wherein the pivot joint assembly is a ball and socket joint, the joint comprising a spherical knob, a mating socket, one or more bearings, and a bolt, wherein the knob fits securely into the mating socket by attachment of the bearings with the bolt.
 17. A method for using a tension load tow rope booster device of claim 11 attached to a tow rope for a boat comprising: applying a load to the handle component to generate a resistance; releasing the resistance; and generating a force sufficient to propel a water sport rider into a generally vertical direction.
 18. A tension load tow rope booster device attached to a tow rope for a boat comprising: a booster assembly having one or more bias elements; a housing for substantially enclosing the booster assembly, wherein a first end of the one or more bias elements is securely fastened to the housing; and a pivot joint assembly comprising a turret attached to an underside of the housing and a pivot member attached to the turret, the joint assembly being adapted for enabling angular motion of the device relative to the joint assembly in all directions, wherein the pivot member is attached to a boat tower or pylon.
 19. The device of claim 18 wherein a second end of the one or more bias elements is attached to a first end of the tow rope and a handle component is attached to a second end of the tow rope.
 20. The device of claim 18 wherein the bias element is selected from the group consisting of rubber, silicone, bungee material, braided rope, elastic, nylon, and spring coils. 